Communicating Data and Numbers Clearly (CWS-028) Training Course

Communicating Data and Numbers Clearly

Organisations generate more data than ever, but numbers only create value when people understand them and act on them. Too often, important findings are lost in cluttered…

5 daysClassroom or online

49Upcoming dates

12Cities

£2,250Fees from

Course overview

Introduction

Organisations generate more data than ever, but numbers only create value when people understand them and act on them. Too often, important findings are lost in cluttered charts, dense tables and reports that leave readers unsure what the data means. Communicating data well is now an essential skill for professionals in every function, not only analysts.

This Communicating Data and Numbers Clearly training course teaches participants how to turn numbers into clear, accurate and persuasive messages. Participants learn how to identify the key insight, choose the right chart, design clean visuals, write about numbers in plain language, provide context and comparison, and present data to non-specialist audiences.

The course is practical and tool-neutral, so participants can apply the principles in spreadsheets, presentation software and reporting tools they already use.

Course Objectives

By the end of this training course, participants will be able to:

Explain why data communication fails and how to avoid common mistakes
Identify the key message within a data set
Select appropriate chart types for different comparisons
Design clean, accurate and accessible charts and tables
Write about numbers clearly in reports and emails
Provide context, comparisons and uncertainty appropriately
Build data stories that lead to decisions
Present data confidently to non-specialist audiences

Target Audience

This training course is suitable for a wide range of professionals, including:

Managers who report performance figures
Analysts and management information professionals
Finance and planning professionals
Project and programme managers
Researchers and policy officers
Communications professionals working with data

Training Methodology

The course is hands-on. Participants critique real-world charts, redesign cluttered visuals, choose chart types for different scenarios, write data summaries and build a short data story from a sample data set. Peer review and trainer feedback help participants refine their work.

Target Competencies

Insight identification
Chart selection
Visual design
Writing about numbers
Data storytelling
Data presentation

Course outline

1Day One: Principles of Data Communication

Why data often fails to influence decisions
Understanding the audience and their questions
Finding the insight before choosing a chart
Accuracy, honesty and avoiding misleading visuals
Basic numeracy concepts every communicator needs
Examples of excellent and poor data communication
Exercise: critiquing charts from published reports

2Day Two: Choosing the Right Chart

Comparisons, trends, distributions and relationships
Bar, line, scatter and other common chart types
When to use tables instead of charts
Avoiding pie charts, three-dimensional and decorative charts
Small multiples and dashboards in moderation
Matching chart type to the key message
Workshop: selecting charts for business questions

3Day Three: Designing Clear Visuals

Removing clutter and unnecessary chart elements
Using colour purposefully and accessibly
Writing titles that state the message
Labels, annotations and highlighting key points
Consistent scales and honest axes
Designing readable tables with clear formatting
Exercise: redesigning a cluttered chart

4Day Four: Writing About Numbers

Rounding, rates, percentages and percentage points
Giving context through comparison and benchmarks
Explaining change, trends and variance clearly
Communicating uncertainty, ranges and confidence
Avoiding statistical jargon with general audiences
Writing data commentary for performance reports
Workshop: writing a data summary for executives

5Day Five: Data Storytelling and Presentation

Structuring a data story with a clear narrative
Sequencing charts to build understanding
Linking insights to recommendations and actions
Presenting data confidently to non-specialists
Handling questions and challenges about the numbers
Final presentation of a data story with feedback
Personal action plan for communicating data

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Communicating Data and Numbers Clearly course?

The course runs over 5 days of classroom training, usually Monday to Friday.

When is the next Communicating Data and Numbers Clearly course?

The next public date is 7 - 11 Dec 2026 in London. There are 49 upcoming dates in total.

Where is this course held?

Upcoming sessions run in London, Barcelona, Frankfurt, Rome, Vienna, Amsterdam, Cape Town, Dubai, Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur, Munich, Paris.

Can I take Communicating Data and Numbers Clearly online?

Yes. Every date can also be joined live online in a virtual classroom with the trainer, for £1,050 per participant. Choose "Live online" in the dates table when you register.

How much does the course cost?

Fees start from £2,250 per delegate, depending on the city. Fees include tuition and course materials.

Do participants receive a certificate?

Yes. Delegates who complete the course receive a London Leadership Management Innovation certificate of completion.

Can this course be delivered in-house for our team?

Yes. LLMI can tailor and deliver this course privately for your organisation at your premises or in one of our training cities.

Course information last updated 14 November 2026.

Communicating Data and Numbers Clearly

Course overview

Introduction

Course Objectives

Target Audience

Training Methodology

Target Competencies

Course outline

Dates and fees

Frequently asked questions

More Communication and Writing Skills courses

Academic Writing and Research: From Essays to Dissertations

Active Listening and Questioning Skills

Art Direction for Designers

Training a team?